Bruce Bowen​

Bruce Bowen was heralded as one of the best defenders in the NBA. A three-time champion for the San Antonio Spurs, he was a key piece in their dominance of the 2010’s. ​

Bowen made many stops before landing in San Antonio. He played college ball at Cal State Fullerton, where he was named first-team all-conference his senior year. He still ranks in the top ten in career rebounds and blocked shots for the Titans. After going undrafted, Bowen played in Europe and Canada before short stints in Miami, Boston, Philadelphia and again in Miami. In 2001, he was signed by the Spurs, where he finally found a home.​

In eight seasons with the Spurs, Bowen won NBA championships three times, in 2003, 2005 and 2007. He was named to the NBA All-Defensive first and second teams eight times. He is widely regarded as one of the best defenders in NBA history to never be named Defensive Player of the Year. A reliable force off the bench, Bowen played 500 consecutive games between 2002 and 2008. In 2009, he retired shortly after being traded to Milwaukee. In 2012, Bowen’s number 12 was retired by the Spurs. He was also inducted into the Cal State Fullerton Hall of Fame the year prior. After retiring, he became an NBA analyst for ESPN before taking a job as coach of Cornerstone Christian School. In 2021, he became the head coach for the Texas Military Insitute. Outside of basketball, he has long spoken out against child obesity, starting the “Get FIT with Bruce and Buddy” campaign to promote children’s nutrition and sports activities in 2004.​